Cast rehearsing for ‘The Nutcracker'

Newburgh — For 40 years Hudson Valley families have made a tradition of attending the Orange County Ballet Theatre production of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker.” Every December children gasp when snow falls upon the stage, the magical Christmas tree grows to enormous heights, and the Sugarplum Fairy travels across the stage on her toes. This evening will be made possible again this year by the dedication of 30 young dancers, who have been rehearsing for the production since September. The dancers range in age from 10 to 18 years old. The full length production will be presented at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1 and at 2:30 p.m., on Sunday, Dec. 2 at Monroe-Woodbury High School. This year, Amanda Sakow, an eighth grade student at Heritage Junior High School in Newburgh will once again perform as Clara, the young girl who receives the magical Nutcracker. Alison Goldblatt of Highland Falls will appear as the enchanting Sugar Plum Fairy, who welcomes and entertains Clara and her Nutcracker in the magical Land of Sweets. Swirling flowers, Russian dancers and dancing bon bons are among the many performers that make this production an enjoyable performance for the entire family. Longtime associate directors Carol Purcell and Alicia Lovely have been rehearsing the dancers since September. The original renowned choreography and staging by Orange County Ballet Theatre Co-Founder, Regis Powers, will once again be presented. All seats are reserved. Tickets are $15 and $13 and may be obtained by calling the Orange County Ballet Theatre at 564-4126.